The Old Quay House

A Comprehensive Review of The Old Quay House, Fowey (Michelin Key Selected)

The Old Quay House in Fowey, United Kingdom, stands as a highly-regarded, Michelin Key Selected boutique hotel, frequently praised for its exceptional waterside location, attentive service, and exquisite dining experience. It offers a luxurious and peaceful retreat, particularly appealing to couples and those seeking a refined coastal escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Old Quay House is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently rating it highly for its location, comfort, cleanliness, and staff. Reviewers often describe their stays as "lovely," "excellent," and "unforgettable," highlighting a sense of relaxation and sophisticated charm. It is particularly recommended for adults seeking a peaceful stay with fine dining.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Old Quay House:

• Location: Perched directly on Fowey's attractive waterfront, the hotel offers stunning, sweeping estuary views, with many rooms and the restaurant enjoying these picturesque vistas. The waterside terrace is a particular favorite for enjoying drinks and the peaceful atmosphere.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives frequent commendation for being "excellent," "helpful," "friendly," and "efficient," providing a "nothing-is-too-much-trouble" attitude.
• Dining: The on-site restaurant, Q Restaurant, is a significant draw, renowned for its high-quality, locally sourced Modern European cuisine and breathtaking estuary views.
• Design & Vibe: The hotel boasts elegant, modern décor with a sophisticated yet unpretentious boutique style. The interiors often play on its maritime past, utilizing neutrals, browns, and blue striped accents. It's described as a "luxury haven" and a "chic 'n' boutique hotel."

3. Room Quality

The 13 or 14 individually decorated rooms at The Old Quay House are consistently described as comfortable, spacious, and stylish. Rooms feature big, comfortable beds, often king or super-king size, ensuring a good night's sleep. Each room is uniquely styled, with elegant, modern décor. Many rooms offer estuary views, some with private balconies, allowing guests to relax and watch boats drift by.

In-room amenities typically include:

• Flat-screen TV with Freeview channels
• Free Wi-Fi
• Tea and coffee-making facilities with an electric kettle and fresh milk
• Complimentary still and sparkling water
• Private bathrooms with White Company toiletries, bathrobes, and either a stand-alone bath and separate shower or a shower over the bath.
• Hair dryer, iron, and often thoughtful extras like earplugs (for seagulls), raincoats, an umbrella, and binoculars.

Room types vary, including Classic (street-facing), Superior (partial river view, sometimes with a balcony), Deluxe (river view, often more spacious), Luxury Classic, King, and the premium "The Loft" suite, offering the best views.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at The Old Quay House is a major draw. The on-site Q Restaurant, with its stunning estuary views and waterside terrace, offers a gourmet experience. Head Chef Richard Massey crafts elegant, modern European dishes with a strong emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood caught by local fishermen and West Country meats.

Breakfast, a complimentary cooked-to-order affair, is served daily and is highly praised by guests. Options include a full Cornish breakfast, eggs, and porridge, alongside a continental buffet. Guests appreciate the flexibility, with chefs sometimes preparing breakfast trays for early departures. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon high tea, and dinner.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Old Quay House is consistently described as exceptional. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "friendly, efficient, and very helpful." Many reviews emphasize the team's willingness to go the extra mile, citing instances where staff prepared meals after the kitchen had closed or assisted with car parking. The hospitality contributes significantly to the overall relaxing and special atmosphere of the hotel.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location at 28 Fore Street, Fowey, is considered excellent, placing it directly on the water's edge in the heart of the charming, bustling seaside town. This allows guests immediate access to Fowey's narrow streets, rich with cafés, boutiques, galleries, and waterside walks. Attractions like Fowey River Gallery and Fowey Tourist Information Centre are just steps away. Boat trips along the river are also easily accessible.

However, accessibility has some considerations:

• Parking: The hotel does not have its own car park. Guests are advised to drop off luggage at the hotel entrance before parking in public long-stay car parks, the closest being about an 8-minute walk away (approximately 800 yards). There is a designated disabled parking bay 50 yards away at Albert Quay.
• Physical Accessibility: The Old Quay House is a whitewashed Victorian building with steps to enter the ground floor. There is no lift, and all bedrooms are accessed via a main staircase, making it potentially challenging for guests with impaired mobility. The restaurant, bar, and lounge are all on one level.
• Child Policy: The hotel generally welcomes children over 8, but some sources state over 12, and it is explicitly noted as a place for adults seeking a peaceful stay.

7. Value & Pricing

The Old Quay House is considered a luxury boutique hotel. While offering "unparalleled luxury," some sources suggest it provides "exceptional value for money" compared to the average price in Fowey. Guide prices for rooms per night, including breakfast, can range significantly based on room type and season. For example, in February 2026, rates were found from approximately $106 to $306 USD or £99 to £220 GBP. Special offers, such as "Winter by the Water," can provide more competitive rates. Flexible rates allow for free cancellation or amendments up to 72 hours prior to arrival, while advance purchase rates are non-refundable.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Parking: The lack of on-site parking and the need to walk from public car parks (up to 800 yards) is a recurring inconvenience for some guests.
• Noise from Above: One Michelin Guide guest mentioned experiencing a noticeable level of everyday noise (coughing, talking, bathroom ablutions) from the room above.
• No Lift: The absence of a lift, particularly for a hotel with rooms over three floors, can be a drawback for guests with mobility issues.
• Room Size: A few guests have noted that some rooms can be small with inadequate storage for longer stays.

Sources

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